The City of Chatfield, Minn. will host its 11th annual Chill Fest on Saturday, January 26, 2013.

This year’s Chill Fest has fun events for everyone whether you enjoy being outside in the “chill” or inside where it’s toasty warm.

Chill Fest will kick-off at 10:00 a.m. with a Health Fair at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at 405 Twiford Street S.W. in Chatfield. The Health Fair is a joint effort between Helping Our Neighbors and Olmsted Medical Center. The Health Fair will have different booths where visitors can receive helpful information. The Health Fair will conclude at 2:00 p.m. The contact person for the Health Fair is Sue Awes at (507) 251-0520.

The always exciting Polar Plunge will begin at 2:00 p.m. with brave participants jumping into the frigid Mill Creek. The event takes place at Mill Creek Bridge on Third Street in Chatfield. According to Matt Opat, 2013 Chill Fest Chairperson, this year’s Polar Plunge will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This is the first year that the polar plunge will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital and hopefully that fact will encourage more people to plunge and many supporters to pledge money for the participants. Not only will you be supporting the participants but you will also be supporting children in need.

Registration for the Polar Plunge will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Pledge forms and waivers can be obtained at Dave’s Barbershop, located at 225 Main Street South, or are available online at www.ci.chatfield.mn.us. In order for participants to take the plunge they must have turned in a completed pledge form, a signed waiver, and be wearing proper attire which includes shoes. Many participants choose to wear costumes and bathing suits. The Chatfield Fire Department co-sponsors the Polar Plunge and the Fire Department and Ambulance will be on hand to offer any assistance needed. Contact persons for the Polar Plunge are Dean Irish at (507) 993-1523, or Jay Hanson at (507) 261-4540.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. there will be a Bunco Party at the Thurber Building which is located at 21 South East Second Street. Bunco is a dice game which many people enjoy playing. The Bunco Party is put on by the Women’s Community Club of Chatfield. Contact person for the Bunco Party is Isy French at (507) 867-4586.

On Saturday, hungry attendees can warm up at the Chili Supper/Chili & Salsa Contest/Craft Sale held from 4:30-6:30pm at Pioneer Presbyterian Church located at 206 Fillmore Street S.E. in Chatfield. Or perhaps you would like to have your homemade salsa compete against others. Contact person for the Chili Supper/Chili & Salsa Contest/Craft Sale is Pam Bluhm at (507) 867-3870.

After warming up with a bowl (or two) of chili Chill Fest attendees will be ready to head out on the Candlelight Snow Shoe Walk organized by the Bluff Country Hiking Club. The walk will occur from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Participants should meet at the Groen Park Shelter. For more information call Tim Gossman at (507) 867-4120.

If winning money gives you “the chills” then take your chances playing Cold Cash Bingo at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Maddock Hall, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Again, the address of St. Mary’s is 405 Twiford St. S.W. in Chatfield. Cold Cash Bingo is arranged by St. Francis/Catherine Division. For more information contact Kelly Nosbisch at (507) 867-4987.

A special Chosen Bean Concert will also be offered from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. featuring the Eelpout Stringers. The concert will take place at the Chatfield Center for the Arts located on Main Street in Chatfield. According to their website, www.eelpoutstringers.com, “The Minnesota-based Eelpout Stringers are a bunch of old-fogies playin’ traditional Americana music,” which will be sure to have people tappin their toes. Tickets are $15.00 at the door. For more information go to www.chosenbeanconcerts.org. For general questions about Chill Fest activities phone Kris Bradt at (507) 867-4120.

The Chatfield Lions sponsor and promote Chill Fest which is a great event for the citizens of Chatfield and the surrounding communities to get out this winter and get some fresh air and exercise, or to stay indoors and have fun with friends, or maybe both!

No Comments Yet. Be the first to comment!

Username:

Message:

Your comment submission is also an acknowledgement that this information may be reprinted in other formats such as the newspaper.